World womens' golf number five Lexi Thompson will miss the British Open next month so she can "recharge" her "mental batteries".
Lexi Thompson Photo: Photosport
In a social media post, the 23-year-old American said the past 18 months have taken a "tremendous toll".
In March, Thompson said she still had nightmares about the four-stroke penalty which cost her victory at the ANA Inspiration in April 2017.
She wrote this on Instagram...
Hi everyone,
I wanted to let you know that I am officially withdrawing from the 2018 Ricoh Women's British Open. It is extremely difficult for me not to play in this prestigious Major, but I realized recently that I need to take some time to work on myself. The events of the past year and a half (on and off the golf course) have taken a tremendous toll on me both mentally and emotionally. I have not truly felt like myself for quite some time.
I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, and to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf. Thank all so much for your continued support. I hope to see everyone soon as I plan to defend my title at the 2018 Indy Women in Tech Championship.
Lexi
The British Open - one of five majors - starts on August 2nd at Royal Lytham.
Thompson She was left in tears after being penalised while leading the final round of the ANA Inspiration - the first major of the season - although the incident prompted a rule change. She lost the play-off to Ryu So-yeon.
In the middle of the final round, Thompson was informed by a rules official that she would be assessed a four-shot penalty -- for replacing her ball in an improper spot the day before.
After officials reviewed the tape, Thompson was assessed a two-shot penalty for putting her ball in the wrong spot, and then a two-shot penalty for signing a incorrect scorecard.
-LPGA
